From the article: Top 5 Semi-Automatic Deer/Big Game Hunting Rifles
Semi-automatic rifles can be very effective hunting tools. Do you have a favorite semi-auto for hunting deer and other big game? If so, let us know what it is, and why you think it's the best semi-auto deer rifle. Do not ask a question or expect a reply! I cannot reply to you here. Please post in the forum if you have a question.
What's Your Favorite?
Favorite Semi-Auto: BAR 30-06
- My Dad took me out to pick up a gun for a Canadian hunt he had booked for us. The only gun I owned was a Marlin 30-30, kinda small for moose. I chose a Browning BAR in 30-06. The store didn't have any left handed bolt actions in the store and in 30-06 the Browning lets me shoot it left handed even with the right handed ejection, since it throws the empties to the front. Works for me. No gum-ups or jams or loading problems. I use a chamber brush when cleaning. I did notice that the bolt needs to be manually closed when I load it in the morning when I go out for the hunt. I leave my gun in the truck overnight to prevent condensation. This is really my only concern should I require a second shot. Looking into using a graphite lube for cold weather. Happy hunting all.
- —Guest Minnesota
Model 740
- I've been using an early 50's version of the 740 in 308 caliber for about 25 years now. It belonged to my great uncle, who gave it to my father, who in turn gave it to me when I became of age to hunt. It is very picky about the ammo, Winchester 150 grain silver tips work flawless. I've killed Whitetails in Wisconsin and Michigan timber stands and swamps from 10 to 100 yards. I've also slayed a couple of Wyoming Mule deer bucks at ranges approaching 300 yards. The rifle performs flawlessly if fed Winchester ammo. I've only had 2 jams in 25 years and the jams were minor as the casing didn't clear the ejection port before the bolt clipped it. The only maintenance I do on the gun is cleaning the barrel and breech at the end of every hunting season, and replacing the original Weaver K4 scope with a Redfield variable a few years back. My 740 carbine is no beauty queen, but beauty doesn't put meat in the freezer.
- —Guest yooper_t
750 Remington, the Best
- I got a Remington 750 in 30-06, and I think it is an excellent rifle. Every year it kills my Deer from 50 to 200 yards without a scope. Two things about this rifle: Do not use more than four cartridges (3+1), and do not hold the magazine while shooting. If you follow these rules, it will fire and reload every time you pull the trigger. Thanks
- —Guest Nick
A Southern Guide's Gun
- 270 BAR lightweight stalker. Bought it 12 years ago. Great gun - I had the barrel trimmed and recrowned because it had been abused. It shoots one-inch groups at 100yds. It has taken more deer and abuse than anyone can imagine. Never has it been put away always with me 24/7.
- —Guest Lance Cabaniss
Browning BAR 30-06
- Best shooting gun I've ever had, wouldn't go out west without it.
- —dunbardeerhunt
Remington 742 Carbine
- This gun has served me well. It's a 30-06 and has rolled many a buck and some does over in their tracks with 150 grain bullets. I use it as a brush gun now. Never a problem, just keep it clean. Thirty years of use and it's still going.
- —Guest Gringo Loco
POF .308
- The new .308 from POF is the best. Get the 10" SBR (please gain proper licenses). It will hold 1/2 inch at 100 yards. Yes, in a 10 in barrel. Phenomenal rifle, and still weighs in around 7.5 lbs (without scope). Yeah it's $3,000. But it can't be beat.
- —Guest POF
BAR 30-06
- I just got my first Browning for Christmas, a used 30-06 BAR. It is indeed a shooting machine and I am excited to use it for the first time on our 2011 Minnesota deer opener. Shooting 150 grain Federal soft points, recoil is hardly noticeable.
- —Guest Tom
Browning BAR
- Browning automatic 30-06. Never jammed, and is extremely accurate. Too pretty to use on a rainy day.
- —Guest scott
44 Semi Auto Ruger Carbine in Africa
- I have owned one of these rifles for a number of years. This little rifle has taken more than 3000 African bush pig, over hounds and bait. About two years ago it was stolen and used by a band of poachers. Ironically, I arrested them and voila one of them had my rifle. It's now at a gunsmith for rebluing. This rifle has served me well. Game taken with it: impala, reed buck, bush buck, duiker, warthog, bush pig, leopard, and blesbok. Old faithful is back to ride next to me on anti-poaching operations.
- —Guest neel polton
Ruger 44 carbine
- I used to hunt the Adirondacks. Did a lot of walking while still hunting and making drives. Shots were usually 50 to 100 yards & occasionally shot out to 2-300 yards around beaver ponds. Shots could either be standing still at a portion of a hidden deer or a running shot on a spooked deer coming out on a drive. The Ruger excelled in any situation out to 100 yards. I did have it jam twice on a running deer. Most were one shot kills. Almost no bloodshot meat compared to a 30-06. My only complaints were that it was not long range and the ammo with those 240 grains tended to get heavy. We carried at least 20 rounds in case we got lost or broke a leg in order to signal help. With all the walking we did (5-10 miles a day for a week), weight was at a premium. I wish someone would come out with an auto carbine with an 18 1/2 to 20 inch barrel, clip fed, no more than 5 1/2 lbs that doesn't look like an assault rifle, and have graceful lines, for the new short mags.
- —SWAMPHUNTER
Savage Edge 30-06
- It's light with a synthetic stock, shoots true, and feels good to shoot.
- —Guest tED-409
M-1 Garand
- This thing is said to be a "clumsy sporter", but 1) It weighs less than modern semi-autos. 2) Parts are widely available. 3) My accurized one hits about 1 MOA. 4) I have shot deer on the run as if I were swinging a shotgun; this is a point and click rifle. 5) My eyesight is becoming increasingly light-dependent so I will probably mount a scope, but there are many options in optic mounting. 6) Mine is chambered in 30-06 and if the sun is out, I can drill 'em in at 500 yards. The secret is bedding the receiver in Devcon and also the condition of the last 2" of the barrel.
- —Guest Joe Smolen
Ruger 44 Carbine
- Have a old Ruger 44 carbine and use the 270 grain Speer Gold Dot and H110. Sure makes a good black bear gun here in Alaska.
- —Guest Jeff In Alaska
Where are the AR Platforms?
- No ARs on the list? My Olympic 6.8 SPC with a Leupold 3-9x40 shoots sub-MOA all day long, it's nearly indestructible, and with 110gr Nosler AccuBonds, it's good for almost any large game. When are the "old timers" going to "get it?"
- —Guest Devil_Doc
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